Theatre operator sought to re-open Sydney's Theatre Royal

The NSW Government has launched an expression of interest process to garner interest from theatre operators in reopening Sydney’s Theatre Royal. 

Situated in the heart of the Sydney CBD, the 1,100-seat theatre designed by Harry Seidler has been closed since 2016.

Its reopening will allow NSW to deliver and host more major touring theatre productions.

Local and international theatre operators or owners are being sought to enter a long-term sub-lease to operate the theatre.

Applicants will be asked to identify any auditorium refurbishment requirements to operate the theatre from 2021.

Minister for Arts Don Harwin hopes reopening the historic Theatre Royal will help make Sydney number one again for musical theatre in Australia.

“With our existing lyric theatres booked out for years, reopening the Theatre Royal will reintroduce a vital part of the city’s cultural history, open up new employment opportunities and provide a boost for the NSW night-time economy,” Mr Harwin said.

“The theatre has an incredible history dating back to the 1820s and its reopening is backed by huge public demand. We are committed to finding the right operator with the right experience to continue its legacy and allow NSW to compete on the global musical theatre stage once more.”

NSW has secured 28 musical and theatre productions for Sydney since 2011. 

The EOI will close at Wednesday 24 April 2019 via the eTendering website.

Sydney's Theatre Royal is part of Sydney's MLC Centre.